Chevy Trax: a crossover Sonic?

[pounamu]

Just read an article about Chevy Trax, which is now available in Canada - a car built entirely on the Sonic platform, with the same powertrain, and being called a "Sonic crossover". Since the car is much, much heavier than the Sonic, I'm guessing it isn't as nimble and eager, although the reviews seemed to be favorable. It's a shame that we in the US won't get the chance to see it any time soon.

This is interesting, because the "urban SUV" market is exploding in the rest of the world, and these new cars are being built on the subcompact platforms: Ford's Ecosport, Chevy's Trax; Honda will be coming out with a crossover built on the Fit platform, and Mazda is talking about its own subcompact crossover. In the US, we only have Nissan Juke and Mini Cooper Countryman. Oh, and Fiat 500L, I guess. Kind of a shame that we always seem to be behind the rest of the world in getting new products in; I have a sense that the growth of the subcompact SUV segment here in the US is actually imminent.

Would be fun to see a Sonic based crossover! Keeping it all in the Sonic family

 

[Blue hedgehog]

I think we are behind in the new model releases because of all of the DOT rules and regulations like crash testing and other safety rules.

 

[Luv2xlr8]

There were some cars we never received here in Canada as well like the Pontiac GTO and and EVO's (until like 2 years ago now we have)......and my all time favorite, the 1991 chevy cyclone. we started receiving the Mitsubishi market here in late 98.

I believe you mean the chevy trax? The Trax is the same as the Buick Encore, just more luxury.

Here is a comparison of both:
http://www.ontariomotorsales.com/chevrolet-trax-vs-the-buick-encore-why-the-trax-trumps-the-encore/

 

[pounamu]

There were some cars we never received here in Canada as well like the Pontiac GTO and and EVO's (until like 2 years ago now we have)......and my all time favorite, the 1991 chevy cyclone. we started receiving the Mitsubishi market here in late 98.

I believe you mean the chevy trax? The Trax is the same as the Buick Encore, just more luxury.

Here is a comparison of both:
Chevrolet Trax vs the Buick Encore : Why The Trax Trumps The Encore | Ontario Motor Sales

Haha, thank you that was an unfortunate typo
And yes, forgot to mention that it's basically the Encore but without the luxury...
Thank you for the links!

 

[pounamu]

I read a good article that was questioning the logic of withholding the Trax in the US, while selling it in Canada, since the markets are so similar. I wonder if GM will regret this decision in a couple of years' time when Mazda, Honda and others will drop their highly competitive "urban SUV" models...

On the other hand, if the powertrain is basically the same, how many would choose a heavier, slower crossover with lower mpg over a lighter, faster, more fuel efficient hatchback? Since it's a customer segment that is very fuel economy and price conscious? The only 2 reasons I can see are the availability of AWD and a more elevated driving position (the latter not so much a problem with the Sonic, since the driving position is quite elevated compared to, say, the Fiesta or the Rio, a fact which I personally love).

 

[rcmn0022]

When I was looking at a new car the only reason I was considering the Trax was for AWD. However, I discovered that to have AWD I needed to have an automatic and I wasn't willing to make a sacrifice just to have AWD. I was however, willing to scrifice a bit of fuel economy for the capability of AWD.

I am willing to sacrifice and get an automatic if it was a rear-wheel drive based AWD, ie. a car that puts most of its power to the rear wheels but puts some to the front wheels when needed.

 

[Obviously Tyler]

The Buick Encore is on the Sonic platform.

 

[PlayCrackTheSky]

The Buick Encore is on the Sonic platform.

Obviously... Tyler.

 

[Obviously Tyler]

Obviously... Tyler.

Well played.

 

[Natesriv]

 

[poncho167]

I think the Trux would do alright. A lot of SUV/cross-over buyers are going small.

 

[08Bluesky]

Bought Both last year - I keep telling my wife that they are one in the same (well, almost)

 

[Breezybro]

In my opinion the spark and the encore are the same


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2013 Chevy Sonic RS 1.4l 6M Black Granite Metallic

 

[Scot]

In my opinion the spark and the encore are the same


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2013 Chevy Sonic RS 1.4l 6M Black Granite Metallic

That's because you've never seen a spark in person, or parked next to a Sonic.

 

[AustinK]

Sonic with an Encore photo.. Both are great cars..

 

[Luv2xlr8]

The Trax has the same instrument cluster as the Sonic except covered with a plastic all over it and the Encore, I think it's totally different right?

 

[AustinK]

The encore is much more "Cruze" like as far as layout is concerned.

 

[Sonic]

Confirmed to be coming to the US:
https://autos.yahoo.com/blogs/motor...mall-suv-rolls-back-to-america-222110065.html

Looks nice. I will check one out when they arrive. Do you think Trifecta will release a tune for it?

 

[turbojon]

Confirmed to be coming to the US:
https://autos.yahoo.com/blogs/motor...mall-suv-rolls-back-to-america-222110065.html

Looks nice. I will check one out when they arrive. Do you think Trifecta will release a tune for it?

Nice find! I really like these. I am sure Trifecta will get a tune out quickly. They have one for the Encore and I would think the buyers of the Chevy would be even more willing to modify.

I think the main question is why not offer a manual transmission? The Juke seems more appealing to me even if the looks are, well, different. I am just not a fan of automatics.

 

[SouthFLSonic]

Ok so as far as I can tell the Trax is basically identical to the Sonic interior wise so would you think that this would fit in a Sonic?

Chevy Trax Interior Center Console Arm-Rest / Storage Unit - Korean Auto Imports

Looks a nice size center console and doesn't mount in the cup holder.